In article <
[email protected]>, Sandy
<
[email protected]> wrote:
<big snip>
> Finally, it is this collection of rights : rights to a presumption of
> innocence ; right to fair and free access to justice ; right to
> contradict the organs of state - these rights are being dismembered. By
> the press, the state, the ASO and UCI.
> BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY - by the members of the public *especially in this
> forum* who think they have the moral qualifications to intuit truth,
> form judgments, castigate others, all without having enough knowledge to
> tie their own shoelaces.
Thought provoking stance. Perhaps my perspective is a simplistic
reduction, but I don't consider this farce to be unduly inimical to the
sanctity of cherished tenets. Consider the scenario of an executive
removed from an account because his involvement, perceived or in
reality, is detrimental to the client's interests. Or a politician,
perhaps completely innocent, who, out of deference to the dignity of
the institution -- no joke intended!, temporarily stands down from a
cabinet position while the storm clouds of scandal blow over.
There are many stations in life that require, like Caesar's wife, that
one remain not merely innocent, but above substantive suspicion. It
seems that a participant of the TdF must now satisfy that criterion.
And why should that be so audacious? The primary function of the TdF
and facsimiles is to sell banking services, hearing aids, and develop
brand awareness -- that a bicycle race transpires and is usually
entertaining is incidental. Stripped of the spandex and exotic
machinery, members of the pro-peleton are just high priced salesmen and
PR men. If you pay millions to a pro-athlete to push Coke and a photo
winds up on the internet of him quaffing a Pepsi he can kiss the
endorsement deal good-bye. Nothing to do with justice; everything to do
with $.
So why obfuscate the issue with notions of innocence, guilt, loyalty
and justice -- quaint notions that have little bearing in world of
commerce, multi-million dollar contracts, and pro-athletes? Christ, a
stage winner of the TdF gets a stuffed lion from a bank not a wreath of
olives from the gods! Corporations have no conscience; pity the
gullible who believe such a blatantly commercial enterprise as the TdF
is illuminated by enlightened principles.
>
> This is turning into an event of mobocracy, with all kinds of actors of
> all spheres.
Bread and circuses. And doped cyclists in tights. That's entertainment!
> My opinion - the dopers (whoever they are) have done less damage to
> cycling that have all the above. Yeah - I suppose lots of you plan to
> burn the witches.
Burning books provides greater illumination
.
Luke